NEW DELHI: Chinese researchers have announced the creation of an innovative combat drone, presenting a new paradigm in
warfare technology
.
At initial observation, it bears resemblance to a standard Chinese DJI multirotor used in consumer markets. Yet, when it arrives in the designated combat zone, it remarkably transforms, splitting instantly into two, three, or even six smaller drones, adapting dynamically to the requirements of the battlefield.
These segmented drones, although each equipped with a single propeller, maintain the ability to float and navigate with the same autonomy as a typical drone.
They are designed to intercommunicate and undertake distinct tactical functions such as leadership, surveillance, tracking, and assault, working in unison to fulfill the mission objectives, a South China Morning Post report said.
This development is spearheaded by Professor Shi Zhiwei of the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, marking a significant advancement in
drone air separation capabilities
. This area has seen global research efforts, aiming to enable drones to split while airborne efficiently and effectively.
This advancement could revolutionize military engagements. Typically, when a cluster of drones is detected by enemy radars, defense strategies are deployed based on the perceived threat level. But, with the ability to suddenly expand, this new technology not only strains enemy defenses but also inflicts a mental shock, potentially debilitating the enemy's combat response, the SCMP report added.
The progression of such technologies had been stunted due to the inefficiencies observed when combining traditional drones for flight. However, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, Shi’s team claims to have surpassed this hurdle, achieving a flight efficiency nearly double that of conventional drones of comparable size.
Moreover, when these smaller drones combine, their collective flight range and speed surpass their solo capabilities. Even post-separation, they exhibit a 40% increase in efficiency compared to regular small drones, a first in demonstrating superior performance in all flight conditions.
As the global frontrunner in drone innovation, China has shown impressive advancements in both cost and energy efficiency. The novel "combined design and air-separation technology" is set to further optimize drone utility, as stated by Shi and his collaborators.
The conceptual inspiration for this research traces back to the nature-inspired design from the maple seed, recognized for its unique aerodynamic properties. Similar to how a maple seed’s structure facilitates wind transportation, this principle has been applied to enhance drone design, previously explored by Lockheed Martin in the US for surveillance purposes.
However, those drones faced limitations in autonomy and task complexity due to energy and payload constraints. Unlike these earlier models, Shi’s team has made significant strides in enabling efficient long-distance flight for their designs, overcoming the challenges of integrating single-blade drones into a coherent operational unit.
This involves developing a new flight model and control software from the ground up, ensuring seamless communication between the drones during flight. Their design allows for rapid deployment and assembly in field conditions, offering strategic flexibility for the Chinese military.
Despite these advancements, the unproven nature of China's drone technology in large-scale conflicts remains a topic of debate among military analysts, especially in the context of ongoing international tensions and warfare dynamics.
English (US) ·